Kenyan soil has untapped potential

In Kenya, research shows that agriculture contributes
approximately 25 per cent of the economy’s gross domestic product (GDP), 65 per
cent of total national exports, creates 18 per cent of formal and 70 per cent
of informal employment. Further, the sector feeds about 70 per cent of the
rural population, which depends on it for their livelihoods.

Despite this significant potential, agricultural productivity has
remained largely stagnant. Besides, close to 40 per cent of agricultural
produce is lost due to high post-harvest losses caused by poor storage and
handling of farm produce.

This means, agriculture as a sector needs clear policies and
strategies to exploit its hidden potential. Part of the strategy involves
looking unto the challenges hindering its success. Agriculture has been
neglected and left for the rural smallholder farmers, when they are expected to
feed the ever-increasing Kenyan population. There have been prolonged
challenges that have seen the country continue to produce less food causing
undeniable food insecurity in the country.

Agriculture holds a high potential for expansion across the value
chain to increase the income generated from the sector. Currently, Kenya has low-level
adoption of mechanization. Introduction of machines in the farms carries the
potential to revolutionize agriculture in terms of both quantity and quality of
products grown and produced.

Agricultural mechanization contributes to increased cultivation of
land thus increased productivity. Subsequently, machines reduce the cost of
production, enhances timely preparation of land while creating employment of
youth. Unlike traditional farming methods, mechanization will reduce the
drudgery and attract the youth and women towards agriculture.

However, there are factors, which hinder the adoption of machines
in remote areas. Farmers need basic training on the know-how of using the
machines. A big lot does not know how to make sustainable decision when it
comes to choice of equipment. They also fear the cost associated with acquiring
the machines. They are expensive yet are used only at certain times and remain
idle the rest of the year.

There is a bunch of online platforms that enable farmers to access
range of agricultural services ranging from chiseling, ploughing, spraying and
harvesting. It is a technological innovation providing solution to the
challenges facing small and large-scale farmers. This provides ease in
accessing farm mechanization services since farmers can download the
applications from Play Store and access the services at the click of a button.
Farmers do not need to purchase the tractors out rightly but rather lease them
at market friendly prices. It saves farmers time in the farm while enjoying
host of benefits such as increased farm output.